Kiltartan Cross, immortalised by W.B. Yeats in his poem An Irish Airman Foresees His Death, is the site of the award-winning Kiltartan Gregory Museum.
A warm welcome awaits you as you step inside this architectural gem. Friendly, knowledgeable, local guides exude enthusiasm for all that is best in our culture.
The architecture of the building, originally a schoolhouse, was influenced by Sir William Gregory’s experience of Ceylon/Sri Lanka. The museum holds rare pictures of the East.
Fado, Fado, long, long ago – the old Irish classroom will bring you down Memory Lane. Listen to the students answering the daily roll call, anseo, as lathair” or singing Down By The sally Gardens.
Did your grandparents attend school here? Find out by browsing through the old Roll Books, dating back to 1887.
Learn about the O’Shaughnessy clan of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne in the O’Shaughnessy corner. Why not be part of the bi-annual gathering at Kiltartan and its hinterland. http://www.oshaughnessysociety.org/
We are reminded of the chivalrous escapades of Major Robert Gregory in a model of a Sopwith Camel, the plane which he was piloting when he was killed in World War One, January 1918.
The influence of Lady Augusta Gregory of Coole Park permeates this museum. View her place in the Anglo-Irish Literary Revival in the artefacts, books and manuscripts and dedicate “ a moment’s memory to that laurelled head”.
Lady Gregory played a major role in the founding of the Abbey Theatre. Many of the first editions of her work are on display here.
Lovers of folklore, local history and genealogy will find rich sources in our museum. When asked what was the principal source of her inspiration, Lady Gregory promptly replied: “Kiltartan, it has done everything for me”.
W.B.Yeats spent about thirty summers in Coole Park and in Thoor Ballylee, all within the confines of the parish of Kiltartan.
This key gave W.B. Yeats access to the nut wood.
Before you take a stroll or enjoy a picnic in the Kiltartan Millennium Park, take a look at the information board in the grounds showing the Gregory Mausoleum.
To capture the essence of what you have seen, why not purchase these books from our souvenir counter or order online here:
A history of Kiltartan : Many Leaves, One Root and The Galway Poems of W.B.Yeats.
